Welcome
to the Hurricane River Cave Web site. We are located in northwest
Arkansas on Highway 65, halfway between Harrison and Marshall (about
a half hour drive either way), and about 50 minutes south of Branson.
You will be guided along a level ancient
underground riverbed. These fantastic water-eroded passageways
are the most unique of their kind among American show caves. Our
cave features stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, draperies, soda
straws, rimstone dams, cave popcorn, columns, moonmilk, stalactoflats,
canopies, along with rare and unique shields, and more!
Our
visitor approval ratings get high marks, according to an official
state exit poll. Only the extremely claustrophobic would feel uncomfortable
in our cave.
A number of unusual skeletons have been
discovered in the cave. Among them are a saber-toothed cat (Smilodan
Floridanus); many bears (including the prehistoric Ursus Americanus
Amplidens); and, in 1989, a complete Indian skeleton, which is
still in its final resting
place as of 2000.
Not
only are the caverns spectacular, but so are the grounds. The cave
entrance is at the base of a towering bluff and is graced by a much
photographed waterfall (specially created for the visitor) that spills
some twelve-hundred gallons per minute. This water crashes down through
a series of smaller waterfalls and pools. Green manicured lawns,
flowering shrubs, flowers and trees complete the scenery.
Especially pretty in the early spring are the native Arkansas red
bud and dogwood trees.
We
are open from March 1st to October 31st. Winter visits are available
by appointment. Guided tours take approximately 45 minutes, and it's
rare that anyone ever waits more than 20 minutes. The distance covered
is about ¼ mile and is not strenuous -- only one incline and two
staircases (17 and 27 steps respectively).
Our
latest addition, completely separate from our normal tour, is a wild
caving tour of the east passage. Take a boat ride on an underground
river before a very easy climb into one of the most beautifully decorated
cave passages in the Ozarks. This is true caving, including relatively
tight crawls and is only suitable for those in good physical condition.
You will be supplied with a Petzl caving helmet, Petzl headlight,
spare light sources, knee pads, gloves and a fanny pack with water
and energy snack (GORP). You will be accompanied at all times by
a guide for your safety and the protection of the cave. Prepare to
get muddy on this trip. Lace up boots required, long sleeve shirt
highly recommended. Personal items limited and absolutely no cameras
allowed. Participants will be required to sign a liability waiver. The
wild caving tour is available by reservation only. Limited to
6 per tour. Age limit 12 with parent, 15 without parent, consent
required. Call or e-mail for more information.
We are presently developing the lower
east passage with a view to conducting tours through that part
of the cave. This is an exciting future prospect and will add a
new dimension to Hurricane River Cave. Stay tuned to our Web site
for details on this addition.
Sheltered picnic tables are available.
There is ample parking space.
Our gift shop showcases rocks, minerals,
ceramics, full leaded crystal, and jewelry.
Come and visit us!
Mileage to Cave from |
| Little Rock, AR |
120 |
|
Branson, MO |
50 |
| Hot Springs, AR |
170 |
|
Springfield, MO |
85 |
| Eureka Springs, AR |
55 |
|
St. Louis, MO |
320 |
| Texarkana, AR |
300 |
|
Kansas City, MO |
245 |
| Mountain Home, AR |
50 |
|
Tulsa, OK |
220 |
| Harrison, AR |
16 |
|
Memphis, TN |
211 |
Directions to Hurricane River Cave
From the South:
Take 65 North in Conway, AR to Hurricane River Cave
From the North:
Take 65 South in Springfield, MO to Hurricane River Cave
OPEN DAILY
From 9:00 AM
March through October
Winter Schedule Varies
Special Group Rates!
Call 870-429-6200
or
1-800-245-2282
